October 20th Recap & Application of Pastor Kevyn’s Sermon Notes: “God’s Heart for Family”

Pastor Kevyn’s message reflects on God's deep desire for family, His heart revealed through Jesus, and Paul's summary of God's commitment to His children. The following verses from scripture guide us to better understand God's plan and how we, as believers, should apply this understanding in our daily walk with Christ.

1. God’s Heart Revealed by Jesus

Matthew 23:9-11 (CSB):
"Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. Do not be called leaders; for One is your Leader, that is, Christ. But the greatest among you shall be your servant."

Action to Consider: Jesus reminds us that God, our Father, is the ultimate authority and leader in our lives. We must not elevate any human above God’s role in our hearts. To apply this, reflect on your relationships—are you elevating others in a way that should be reserved for God alone? Practicing humility and servanthood is the path to greatness in God's kingdom. Consider how you can serve others this week, reflecting God's love through your actions.

Paul’s Summary of the Father’s Commitment: Ephesians 1:3-14

2. God Has Blessed Us Beyond Imagination

Ephesians 1:3 (CSB):
"Blessed is the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavens in Christ."

Action to Consider: God’s blessings transcend what we can see or imagine. Take time this week to reflect on the blessings you’ve received, both spiritual and material. Gratitude opens the door to recognizing God’s work in your life. Jesus also speaks about blessings in Matthew 5:1-12 and Luke 6:20-23. How do these promises shape your view of the future?

3. God Chose Us to Be His Pride and Joy

Ephesians 1:4 (CSB):
"For he chose us in him, before the foundation of the world, to be holy and blameless in love before him."

Action to Consider: Knowing that God chose us before the world began should fill us with confidence and purpose. This week, focus on your identity in Christ and seek to live in a way that reflects His love. Jesus expands on this in Matthew 5:1-16 and John 17:1-12, showing how we are called to be light in the world.

4. God Predetermined a Plan to Adopt Us

Ephesians 1:5-6 (CSB):
"He predestined us to be adopted as sons through Jesus Christ for himself, according to the good pleasure of his will, to the praise of his glorious grace that he lavished on us in the Beloved One."

Action to Consider: God’s plan is one of love and grace. Reflect on how you can live as a child of God, secure in the knowledge of His love. This week, commit to extending grace to others, just as God has shown grace to you. Jesus speaks of this redemptive plan in Matthew 20:28 and Mark 10:45, where He gave His life for us.

5. Through Jesus, Our Relationship is Restored

Ephesians 1:7-8 (CSB):
"In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace that he richly poured out on us with all wisdom and understanding."

Action to Consider: Our sins are forgiven through Jesus’ sacrifice. Accept this truth and live in freedom, not guilt. This week, consider who in your life needs to hear about the forgiveness found in Christ. Share this message with them, reflecting God’s grace.

6. God’s Pre-Designed Plan for Us

Ephesians 1:9-10 (CSB):
"He made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure that he purposed in Christ as a plan for the right time—to bring everything together in Christ, both things in heaven and things on earth in him."

Action to Consider: God’s plan is perfect and is being fulfilled in Jesus. Trust in His timing, especially in difficult situations. Jesus said in John 14:17 that the Spirit would guide us into truth. Seek God’s wisdom in all that you do, and trust that His will is being accomplished.

7. We Have Received Everything God Intended

Ephesians 1:11-12 (CSB):
"In him we have also received an inheritance, because we were predestined according to the plan of the one who works out everything in agreement with the purpose of his will, so that we who had already put our hope in Christ might bring praise to his glory."

Action to Consider: In Jesus, you already have everything you need. As a believer, embrace the joy and peace that come from knowing that you are an heir to God’s promises. Reflect on how you can praise God this week for the inheritance you’ve received in Christ.

8. Sealed with the Holy Spirit

Ephesians 1:13-14 (CSB):
"In him you also were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and when you believed. The Holy Spirit is the down payment of our inheritance, until the redemption of the possession, to the praise of his glory."

Action to Consider: The Holy Spirit is your seal of security as a child of God. When you feel uncertain, remember that the Spirit is with you, guiding and comforting you. This week, lean into the Spirit’s guidance and listen for His voice in your life.

Prayer for the Followers of Jesus

Ephesians 1:18-19 (CSB):
"I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened so that you may know what is the hope of his calling, what is the wealth of his glorious inheritance in the saints, and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power toward us who believe."

Action to Consider: Pray for spiritual wisdom and understanding. As you grow closer to God, you will gain a deeper appreciation of your calling, inheritance, and God’s power working in your life. This week, make a habit of praying for God to open your eyes to His presence in every situation.

Reflection and Action

• Do you understand how important the family of God is to God?
  Reflect on this truth. As part of God’s family, how can you contribute to its growth and health? This week, find one way to serve your local church or a member of your spiritual family.

• How will you make your Father in heaven proud?
  Consider one tangible action you can take this week that aligns with God’s heart for family and service. Whether it’s helping someone in need or spending more time in prayer, let your actions bring glory to God.